Recent cases of the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis have been connected to shredded iceberg lettuce served at select Taco Bell restaurants across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, federal health officials announced. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified this specific ingredient as the likely source of the outbreak.

A traceback investigation conducted by the FDA pinpointed a single supplier of iceberg lettuce originating from Mexico that provided the affected Taco Bell outlets. The identity of this supplier has not yet been publicly disclosed. Health authorities are continuing to work with the supplier to determine if any potentially contaminated product remains on the market.

More than 1,644 individuals have fallen ill in this outbreak, with 94 people requiring hospitalization, according to the CDC and FDA. The agencies have advised consumers to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in the five affected states. The CDC is simultaneously investigating other cyclosporiasis outbreaks and illnesses nationwide that are not associated with this specific Taco Bell incident.

Taco Bell has stated it is cooperating with health officials and has taken steps to remove the implicated lettuce from its supply chain. The fast-food chain emphasized its commitment to public health and its proactive approach in addressing the situation. "We believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests," the company said in a statement.

The FDA has intensified screening of products at the border that are implicated in the outbreak and is collecting product samples for testing. This action aims to prevent further spread of the parasite and ensure the safety of imported produce.

Michigan has reported the highest number of cases in the multistate outbreak, with 4,312 illnesses and 102 hospitalizations. Ohio has also seen a significant rise, reporting 1,244 cases, a sharp increase from earlier in July. These figures are part of a larger national outbreak that has sickened an estimated nearly 7,000 people, though not all are linked to the Taco Bell outbreak.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically appear about a week after infection and include watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely and providing guidance to the public and the food industry.

This incident highlights the complexities of foodborne illness investigations, involving multiple agencies, suppliers, and retail locations. The ongoing efforts by the CDC, FDA, and Taco Bell aim to contain the outbreak and prevent future occurrences by ensuring stricter oversight of food supply chains.